Iai stances
There are many stances used in Iaido. Here we intend to explain other stances and various other movements that go to make up Iai as a whole. There are in all stances TWO versions, one is with the right foot forward ( Migi ) and one with the left foot forward ( Hidari ). So all this means is that if you end up with the right foot forward you are in migi jodan no kamae and if the left foot is forward you are in hidari jodan no kamae.
Shinzen no rei
Stand facing the Kamiza, erect but not stiff. The sword should be held in the left hand, at hip level, horizontal with the handle facing forward and the cutting edge uppermost. The left thumb on and slightly to the right of the centre edge of the tsuba . The right hand is relaxed at the right side of the body. The sageo should be looped into thirds and held between the first and middle fingers of the left hand. Move the sword in front of the body, point slightly downwards. Transfer the sword to the right hand, by crossing the right hand over the left. Take hold of the saya below the left hand so that the palm is facing up. Relax grip of left hand. Drop hand to the right side of the body, so that the cutting edge is now facing the ground and the tsuka is facing rearwards. Bend about 30 degrees forward from the waist, eyes looking forward. Do not move the sword during the bow. Hold the bow for a few seconds and then straighten up. Transfer the sword back to the left hand using the reverse of the above.
Seiza for Iai
Start with the sword in the left hand as above for kamiza rei and the left hand held at hip level, this is called keito shisei . Bend forward from the waist, keeping the back as straight as possible. Bending the knees slightly. Reach between the legs with the right hand, using the hand to move the hakama out to the side's hakama sabiki left hand and then the right. This should be done with very little fuss and no sound. The left knee is placed on to the ground first followed by the right. The knees should be no more the two fist widths apart. Straighten feet under body and sit on insteps. Back should be kept straight. The right hand is placed on the right thigh, midway from the knee.
Jodan no kamae
This is a stance where the sword ends up over our head in an upper position it is used in several forms.
Generally jodan kamae is a strong stance and is used after a final cut in order to assess whether our opponents no longer pose a threat, it is also a chance to maintain our zanshin .
Assuming that we are in migi chudan no kamae. Both hands are on the sword, our right foot is forward, with a slight pulling feeling of the right hand start to raise the sword so that the kissaki is taken in an arc, to end up above the head pointing slightly backwards. (Do not push down with the left hand). At the same time step backward with the right foot until the left foot is forward and you are maintaining good balance. This movement is complete when the left hand is about ONE fist distance above and in front of your forehead. The elbows should be open, and do NOT obscure your eyesight. Do not relax in this position.
Hasso no kamae
This stance is a preparatory stance where the sword ends up alongside the face.
Assuming that we are in migi chudan no kamae. Both hands are on the sword, our right foot is forward, with a slight pulling action of the right hand start to pull the sword towards yourself until the edge of the tsuba is alongside your mouth. The kissaki is pointing up and slightly to the right. The cutting edge is facing out in front of you. Your left hand should be in the middle of your chest. At the same time as pulling the sword backward step back with the right foot until the left foot is forward and you are maintaining good balance. The elbows should be open. Also the upper body is turned slightly so that the left shoulder is forward. Do not exaggerate this movement.
Waki kamae
This stance is a defensive stance that hides the sword from the opponent.
If we start in chudan kamae with the right foot forward. Basically all we are doing is stepping back with the right foot and taking the sword away to a position where the right hip hides it. The cutting edge is facing downwards. The sword is at a 45-degree angle to our rear. Our hands are at hip height. The upper body twists to right and rear so that the left shoulder is forward. This stance is a strong one as our opponent is unable to tell the length of our sword or how we will deliver the next cut.
Tate hiza
This kneeling position is only used for one form in Seitei Iai. There are slight differences in this position when used in koryu forms. So both will be explained here. Do not confuse the differences, This is most important.
Start in ( Taito shisei ) bend forward from the waist keeping the back as straight as possible, perform hakama sabiki and place left knee on floor. Extend the right leg so that it is at 90 degrees. Flatten left foot so that the instep is in the floor. Sit down onto left heel. Bring right foot back towards body until right toes are in line with the left knee. Right thigh is angled out to the right. Both hands are then placed midway between groin and knees. This position at uncomfortable at first for westerners because we have longer shinbones. This is a basic Tate hiza for Seitei Iai. For koryu the manner of adopting this posture is as follows.
Instead of Initially bending from the waist. Drop the left leg back and place left knee on floor. Flatten left foot so that instep is on floor. Perform hakama sabiki on right leg only and sit down. Left hand is placed midway between groin and knee. Right hand is placed on right knee so that the wrist joint is just on top of knee and the lightly closed hand covers kneecap.
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